SCARRED HIPPO BULL STANDS HIS GROUND IN DRAMATIC TERRITORIAL SHOWDOWN
WITH PIX AND VID
BY SHUK YEE TSANG
A wildlife photographer captured the dramatic moment two enormous hippo bulls faced off in a tense territorial standoff.
Michelle Broadhurst, 57, an amateur wildlife photographer from Gauteng, South Africa, photographed the encounter during a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park.
The striking images show the rival bulls posturing in the water, with one older hippo bearing multiple fresh scars believed to have come from previous dominance battles.
Despite the intimidating display of open mouths, booming calls and powerful body language, neither bull launched a physical attack before the healthier animal eventually backed away.
Michelle said: "Hippos are often seen resting quietly in the water, so seeing several bulls suddenly become so active immediately caught my attention.
"It was an intense and unusual encounter, and I knew it was the kind of natural behaviour that few people get to witness.
"Hippo bulls are highly territorial and will defend their stretch of river from rivals. These confrontations help establish and maintain dominance within the population.
"I wasn't following these hippos over a long period. I came across the encounter during a self-drive safari, stopped to watch the action unfold and photographed it as it happened.
ENDS
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